Fight to save train service gathers steam

The train service between Wellington and Palmerston North appears close to being saved.

Wellington Railway Station Photo: RNZ / Shannon Gillies

The Greater Wellington Regional Council has agreed to match the Horizons Regional Council's funding of $550,000.

The council has not contributed to the service in the past as it was a commercial operation run by KiwiRail but, with KiwiRail discontinuing its support, the council has agreed to include funding for the next five years in its 10-year plan.

Funding from both councils depends on government support, which has not yet been obtained.

Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Fran Wilde said the service would continue, as long as the Government agreed to help fund it.

The council received 571 submissions in favour of keeping the service as part of a "Save the Capital Connection" campaign.